Postdoc (M/F): Genetics, evolution and ecology of nematodes – Evolution of behavioural adaptation to arsenic-rich environments

Job Description

Missions

The candidate will be involved in the collaborative HFSP project outlined below, contributing to the design and execution of experiments aimed at identifying the behavioural and physiological mechanisms that facilitate nematode adaptation to arsenic-rich environments. The candidate will participate in field sampling, species identification, and laboratory cultivation of nematodes from extreme habitats. The candidate will also take part in molecular, genomic, and phylogenetic analyses to uncover the evolutionary origins of viviparity and other adaptive traits. In addition, candidate will be expected to analyse data, present results at internal meetings and conferences, and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts.

Activity

Our research focuses on uncovering the proximate mechanisms underlying evolutionary changes in developmental and behavioural processes in nematodes. Much of our work now focuses on the evolution of egg-laying behaviour and the transitions to viviparity. In parallel, we are also interested in characterizing the natural history, ecology, and phylogenetics of Caenorhabditis nematodes.

This project will investigate the behavioural, metabolic, and physiological adaptations that enable nematodes to thrive in arsenic-rich and other extreme environments. A key focus of the project will be to understand how changes in reproductive behaviour—in particular, the transition from egg-laying to viviparity—contribute to enhanced survival in extreme environments. We will use phylogenetic analyses to trace the evolution of viviparity across different phylogenetic groups of nematodes. We also aim to determine whether extremophilic nematodes have evolved convergent survival strategies and which environmental challenges drive these adaptations.

Collaborators: Cornelia Bargmann (Rockefeller University, USA), Elizabeth New (The University of Sydney, Australia), Ryoji Shinya (Meiji University, Japan).

Background:
Mignerot et al. 2024 https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.88253.2
Kanzaki et al. 2021 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-95863-1

Your Profil

Skills

Applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including:
- Evolutionary biology, ecology, comparative genomics, and phylogenetics
- Molecular genetics, developmental biology, and neurobiology
- Nematode systematics and taxonomy

The ideal candidate will have strong skills in experimental design, data analysis, and bioinformatics, along with excellent written and oral communication in English. Experience working with C. elegans or other nematodes is highly desirable.

Your Work Environment

Our team (http://ibv.unice.fr/research-team/braendle/) is part of the Institute of Biology Valrose (IBV), a dynamic research centre located on a city campus in the centre of Nice, on the Mediterranean coast. The institute brings together 25 research groups with over 200 members, comprising scientists from a wide range of disciplines and nationalities. The working language is English. The institute offers a supportive and collegial atmosphere, modern infrastructure, a high level of technical expertise, and numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. For further information please visit: http://ibv.unice.fr/

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

between 3071 et 4714 Euros gross according to past experience

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions